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Doane University: Fundamentals of Sociology

This course is an introduction to the study of human social behavior, social groups, and society. The course emphasizes the basic concepts and theories found in the discipline of sociology.

This course is eligible for Audit and Verified Certificate only.

Fundamentals of Sociology
8 weeks
8–12 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available
Fundamentals of Sociology

About this course

Skip About this course

This course is an introduction to the study of human social behavior, social groups, and society. The course emphasizes the basic concepts and theories found in the discipline of sociology. The course will compare and contrast different theories as well as look at different processes of socialization.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills: Auditing, Sociology

What you'll learn

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  • Compare and contrast the basic assumptions found in functionalist theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism theory.
  • Critique the advantages and disadvantages inherent in the most prominent research design methods employed by sociologists.
  • Explain the connection between culture and the process of socialization.
  • Discriminate between social interaction and social structure.
  • Assess the nature of the family as a social institution from the functionalist theoretical perspective, the conflict theoretical perspective, and the symbolic interactionist theoretical perspective.
  • Explain the difference between primary groups and secondary groups.
  • Assess important implications derived from social divisions based on race/ethnicity, social class, gender, and age.
  • Explain how historic social upheavals have resulted in significant social change.

Ways to take this course

Choose your path when you enroll.

Verified Track

Audit Track

Price

$99 USD

Free

Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

Expires on Nov 17

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Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

Read our FAQsin a new tab about frequently asked questions on these tracks.

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